NMAI vs VXUS
Nuveen Multi-Asset Income Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. NMAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NMAI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.87% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.58% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,312 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.84% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.92% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 22, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NMAI vs VXUS Performance
Nuveen Multi-Asset Income Fund (NMAI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NMAI returned +27.27% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, NMAI is up 18.84% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, NMAI compounded at +20.92% per year against +20.24% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, NMAI has the edge at +6.85% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NMAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -35.6% for NMAI and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NMAI charges 1.87% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $187 vs $5 annually, a gap of $182 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NMAI currently yields 9.58% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NMAI and VXUS share 118 holdings out of 8415 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NMAI or VXUS?
NMAI has an expense ratio of 1.87% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $182 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NMAI or VXUS?
Over the past year NMAI returned +27.27% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so NMAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NMAI annualized +6.85% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NMAI or VXUS?
NMAI has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NMAI -35.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NMAI and VXUS?
NMAI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between NMAI and VXUS?
NMAI and VXUS share 118 common holdings with a 7.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8415 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NMAI or VXUS?
NMAI yields 9.58% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so NMAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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